Showing papers on "Smart camera published in 1999"

Camera network communication device

Abstract: A communication device (10) for interconnecting a digital camera (12) to a communication network (16) for downloading data to a remote computer. The device (10) has a network communication port (30) for establishing communication with a network (16) via a pre-defined protocol and communication mode, and has a camera communication port (20) such as a serial, parallel, SCSI, USB or Irda-port that imitates the back end application of a PC (14), for connection to a digital camera (12) for sending and receiving data to and from the camera (12). The camera communication port (20) is also used for input of programming and setup data to the communication device (10) from a PC (14). The device can be programmed to operate on the data directly, such as in the case of data for storage or operational direction, and/or direct the data to the camera. The device may also have a Smart card socket (34) into which a user can insert a card to input data, such as user and camera I.D., user authorization, image marking, camera operational parameters, remote computer/destination address, etc. The device can be programmed to perform encryption, authentication, watermarking and fingerprinting procedures, as well as structuring the data for transmission over a particular network, and to automatically perform operations, such as at specific times or in response to data input.

System and method for remote control of surveillance devices

Abstract: A system and method for enabling real-time off-site video image storage is disclosed. An off-site storage site is coupled to camera servers at client sites via a private network. Each camera server is further coupled to one or more surveillance cameras. Video images captured by cameras located at the client sites are forwarded to an off-site server via a camera server. Video images received by the off-site server are produced for live viewing and/or archived in an image database. Users can retrieve live or archived video images through a client workstation that communicates with the off-site server over the public Internet. Retrieval of video images is based on a web-browser interface. Live viewing of video images is supplemented by real-time camera control functions that alter the pan-tilt-zoom (PTZ) position of the camera producing the live images. Commands for controlling the PTZ camera are encoded by the client workstation and transmitted to the off-site server. The off-site server converts the camera control codes into control strings that are recognizable by the particular camera.

Digital camera with biometric security

Abstract: A programmable digital camera requiring a programming password to be entered to access the camera's programmability. The camera further includes programming so as to allow the camera to be operated only for a specified time interval, after which the camera becomes inoperable until the programming password is again entered and the camera is programmed to operate for another interval of time. An alternate embodiment of the invention includes a programmable digital camera as above described wherein the camera is programmed to only capture a set number of images, at which point the programming password must again be entered and the camera reset for another quantity of images. A further alternate embodiment includes a camera system with a separate transmitter for radiating a signal designed to cover a designated area, the signal being modulated with a camera operational code. The camera is equipped with a corresponding receiver and demodulator to receive the operational code. The camera is programmed to check for the operational code periodically, and if the code is not received, the camera automatically shuts down, thereby limiting operation of the camera to the designated area. A still further embodiment includes a camera with a built-in apparatus for acquiring measured biometric data of a potential user, and comparing it with corresponding biometric signature data entered in the camera, and allowing camera operation only if there is a match.

Camera system for three dimensional images and video

Abstract: A camera system including a plurality of image capture devices and supporting output of data from data storage arrays of each image capture device in a segment-by-segment manner, with output lines arranged in an interleaved manner so that interleaving is automatically achieved without complex image processing. The interleaved image or video output of such a camera system will appear as a three dimensional image when viewed through a screen of lenticular lenses.

Means and method of robot control relative to an arbitrary surface using camera-space manipulation

Abstract: A system is presented that creates vision-based, three-dimensional control of a multiple-degree-of-freedom dexterous robot, without special calibration of the vision system, the robot, or any of the constituent parts of the system, and that allows high-level human supervision or direction of the robot. The human operator uses a graphical user interface (GUI) to point and click on an image of the surface of the object with which the robot is to interact. Directed at this surface is the stationary selection camera, which provides the image for the GUI, and at least one other camera. A laser pointer is panned and tilted so as to create, in each participating camera space, targets associated with surface junctures that the user has selected in the selection camera. Camera-space manipulation is used to control the internal degrees of freedom of the robot such that selected points on the robot end member move relative to selected surface points in a way that is consistent with the desired robot operation. As per the requirement of camera-space manipulation, the end member must have features, or “cues”, with known location relative to the controlled end-member points, that can be located in the images or camera spaces of participant cameras. The system is extended to simultaneously control tool orientation relative to the surface normal and/or relative to user-selected directions tangent to the surface. The system is extended in various ways to allow for additional versatility of application.

UniCam—2D gestural camera controls for 3D environments

Abstract: We present a novel approach to controlling a virtual 3D camera with a 2D mouse or stylus input device that is based on gestural interaction. Our approach to 3D camera manipulation, UniCam, requires only a single-button stylus or mouse to directly invoke specific camera operations within a single 3D view. No 2D widgets or keyboard modifiers are necessary. By gesturally invoking all camera functionality, UniCam reduces the modal nature of typical desktop 3D graphics applications, since remaining mouse or stylus buttons can be used for other application functionality. In addition, the particular choice and refinement of UniCam controls efficiently enables a wide range of camera manipulation tasks, including translation in three-dimensions, orbiting about a point, animated focusing on an object surface, animated navigation around an object, zooming in upon a region, and saving and restoring viewpoints. UniCam’s efficiency derives primarily from improved transitions between techniques and to a lesser degree from adaptations of existing techniques. Although we have conducted no formal user evaluations, UniCam is the result of years of iterative development with approximately one hundred users. During this time more conventional modifier key and menu-based implementations were implemented and either refined or rejected. Informally, users appear to require a few hours of training to become proficient with UniCam controls, but then typically choose them almost exclusively even when widget-based controls, such as those provided by an Inventor viewer, are simultaneously available. CR Categories: H.5.2 [Information Interfaces and Presentation (e.g., HCI)]: User Interfaces—Graphics user interfaces (GUI); H.5.2 [Information Interfaces and Presentation (e.g., HCI)]: User Interfaces—Input devices and strategies; H.5.1 [Information Interfaces and Presentation (e.g., HCI)]: Multimedia Information Systems—Artificial, augmented, and virtual realities; I.3.6 [Computer Graphics]: Methodology and Techniques—Interaction techniques;

Automatic video monitoring system which selectively saves information

Abstract: A system ( 10 ) for automatically monitoring an area includes a camera unit ( 12 ) having therein a video camera ( 23 ) and an image processing section ( 27 ). The image processing section saves a reference image from the video camera, compares subsequent images to the reference image, and detects and tracks change regions in the subsequent images. For each change region, the image processing section saves a path of movement of the change region, and a selected image of the change region. Selection is carried out so as to optimize the selected image, for example so that a detected person is facing and close to the video camera. The camera unit is network-ready ( 14 ), so that a remote workstation ( 13 ) can access the images and other information saved in the camera unit.

Surgical lighting system with integrated digital video camera

Abstract: A surgical video system 10 captures an image of a surgical procedure and displays the image on a video monitor 24 remote from the surgical procedure. The system includes at least one surgical lighthead 12, a video monitor 24, and a digital video camera 22 integrated into the surgical lighthead. The digital video camera forms part of a modular digital video camera unit 20 that is conveniently removable from the surgical lighthead so that camera units having different functionalities and capabilities can be selectively substituted as needed. A control unit 26 is operatively connected to the video camera and generates command signals that are executed by the modular camera unit to rotate the image of the surgical procedure displayed on the video monitor by at least 360° and to effect image zoom operations. The control unit is responsive to input signals from multiple sources including a hand-held IR/RF remote transmitter module 38, a wall mounted keypad 30, and a footswitch 40. Associated with the control unit and the video monitor, a recorder 42 is provided for archival of video image data.

Endoscopic camera system with non-mechanical zoom

Abstract: An endoscopic camera system includes zooming capability to non-mechanically enlarge images of internal features of a body during an endoscopic procedure. The system includes a scope for insertion into the body, a camera head coupled to the scope, and a camera control unit coupled to the camera head. Video image data of internal features of the body are acquired through the scope by the camera head and transmitted to the camera control unit, which generates video images for display on a monitor. The camera control unit includes zoom circuitry for digitally zooming the video images in real-time. Operation of the zoom circuitry may be controlled by manual input or by voice commands. Voice commands may be used to set and recall preset zoom views.

CamWorks: a video-based tool for efficient capture from paper source documents

Abstract: We describe the design and evaluation of CamWorks, a system that employs a video camera as a means of supporting capture from paper sources during reading and writing. The user can view a live video image of the source document alongside the electronic document in preparation. We describe a novel user interface developed to support selection of text in the video window, and several new techniques for segmentation, restoration and resolution enhancement of camera images. An evaluation shows substantially faster text capture than with flatbed scanning.

Mobile communications device with a camera

Abstract: The invention pertains to a mobile communications device with a camera, comprising a microphone ( 5 ), loudspeaker, display, keypad and camera. According to the invention the mobile communications device comprises at least two parts covering each other alternatively completely in the transport position of the camera or partly in the operational position of the camera so that when the parts ( 1, 2 ) cover each other in the transport position of the camera the lens ( 13 ) of the camera is protected, and in the operational position of the camera the lens ( 13 ) of the camera is exposed. Such a mobile communications device is easy to use and includes a protected lens ( 13 ) the protection of which is based on normal procedures carried out by the user of the mobile communications device when using the device.

Supervisory camera apparatus and control method for supervisory camera

Abstract: PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a supervisory camera whose direction can be matched with an object position with a simple operation. SOLUTION: In the supervisory camera apparatus provided with a supervisory camera 11 that is capable of panning of 360 degrees and tilt of 180 degrees and a control means 12 that remotely controls this supervisory camera, the control means transmits control data designating a photographing position or a photographing direction of the camera to the supervisory camera, the supervisory camera calculates a panning amount and a tilt amount from a present camera position on the basis of the received control data to conduct panning and tilting by the calculated amount. An operator can direct the camera to an object direction by having only to tilt a joystick 17 in the object direction. It is not required for the operator to be aware of at which the camera is directed at present.

Computing Camera Viewpoints in an Active Robot Work Cell

Abstract: This paper presents a dynamic sensor-planning system that is capable of planning the locations and settings of vision sensors for use in an environment containing objects moving in known ways. The key component of this research is the computation of the camera position, orientation, and optical settings to be used over a time interval. A new algorithm is presented for viewpoint computation which ensures that the feature-detectability constraints of focus, resolution, field of view, and visibility are satisfied. A five-degree-of-freedom Cartesian robot carrying a CCD camera in a hand/eye configuration and surrounding the work cell of a Puma 560 robot was constructed for performing sensor-planning experiments. The results of these experiments, demonstrating the use of this system in a robot work cell, are presented.

Camera control system, image pick-up server, client, control method and storage medium therefor

Abstract: Provided is a camera control system which will not invade one's privacy even if a camera is located where there is a problem in terms of privacy. To accomplish this, the system is provided with an input unit for inputting a control command for controlling shooting direction or zoom magnification of the camera, a calculation unit for calculating, on the basis of the control command input by the input unit, an area to be imaged by the camera, a limiting unit for limiting a control range of the zoom magnification of the camera in a case where the imaging area of the camera calculated by the calculation unit overlaps a prescribed area; and a control unit for controlling the zoom magnification of the camera so as to fall within the control range, which has been limited by the limiting unit, in a case where the zoom magnification of the camera exceeds the control range limited by the limiting unit.

Video game apparatus and method with enhanced virtual camera control

Abstract: A video game apparatus includes a CPU. The CPU detects a camera code of a land object at a foot of a player object. According to the camera code, any one is selected of a first virtual camera, a second virtual camera, . . . , a fifth virtual camera. A selected virtual camera is controlled according to a corresponding camera control program. That is, the plurality of virtual cameras provided in a virtual three dimensional space are to be selected by the camera codes contained in the land objects.

Multi-function on-board camera system and image display method of multi-function on-board camera system

Abstract: PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a multi-function on-vehicle camera system capable of displaying images for safe drive support in appropriate timings depending on driving conditions and in a form easy for a driver to understand. SOLUTION: In a multi-function on-vehicle camera system provided with plural on-vehicle cameras 11-18 and monitors 19-21 to display camera images, an image process means 47 to process camera image and a system control means 42 to specify camera images used for image processing and the form of image processing in the image process means 47 in response to signals 37-41 indicating vehicle conditions are arranged. Images for supporting safe drive are displayed in appropriate timings depending on driving conditions and in form easy for a driver to understand.

Computer manipulatable camera and computer, computer product and system for manipulating camera

Abstract: A camera system comprises a camera for photographing an object and acquiring image data of the object, a computer having a connector which allows the camera to be connected to the computer, a mode setting device provided to the camera and for setting an operation mode of the camera, a display which functions together with the computer, and a controller provided to the computer. The controller detects a connection between the camera and the computer via the connector, and causes an image representing the mode setting device and an image representing a display panel for displaying the image taken by the camera to be displayed upon detection of the connection. When the computer is manipulated for setting a mode through the image representing the mode setting device, the controller supplies an instruction signal for setting the selected mode to the camera, and the camera sets the mode in response to the instruction supplied from the controller.

Remote inspection device

Abstract: A remote inspection device is provided which is ideally suited for law enforcement and firefighting personnel. The remote inspection device includes an elongate housing, camera means and power supply for powering the camera means and video display. The camera means operates in the invisible light spectrum, preferably the infrared (IR) spectrum. The camera means creates an image of an object which is transmitted to the video display for producing a visible light image of the object to be evaluated.

Camera control apparatus for controlling a plurality of cameras for tracking an object

Abstract: A tracking camera system which permits tracking an object with a plurality of cameras by changing the use of them from one camera over to another and is arranged to be capable of adequately capturing the object of tracking, without missing the object, even after one camera is changed over to another. The tracking object is decided within a display image plane. The attitude of camera in use for tracking is controlled in such a way as to have the tracking object always placed at the center of the display image plane. The tracking camera in use is changed over to another camera when the tracking object on display comes outside of the center part of the image plane, so that the object can be continuously tracked.

Visual Understanding of a Scene by Automatic Movement of a Camera

Abstract: A method for visual understanding of a scene by efficient automatic movement of a camera is presented in this paper. The purpose of this method is to choose a trajectory for a virtual camera, allowing the user to have a good knowledge of the scene at the end of a minimal flying over. The method is based on techniques for computing a good point of view, used together with various heuristics, in order to have smooth movement of the camera and to avoid fast returns to the starting point, due to local maxima. So, starting from a good view point, the virtual camera moves on the surface of a sphere surrounding the scene, combining good view, smooth camera movement and distance from the starting point based heuristics.

Computer system providing hands free user input via optical means for navigation or zooming

Abstract: A system and method are described for selectively providing display data to a display device dependent upon an optically detected proximity of a user's face to a camera. One embodiment of a computer system includes the camera, the display device, and a processing system. The camera produces image signals representing a first image and a second image of the user's face, wherein the first image precedes the second image in time. The processing system receives the image signals and analyzes the first and second images to determine the proximity of the user's face to the camera. More specifically, the processing system compares the first and second images to determine the proximity of the user's face to the camera in the second image relative to the proximity of the user's face in the first image. The processing system provides the display data to the display device dependent upon the proximity of the user's face to the camera. In order to determine the proximity of the user's face to the camera, the processing system may compare: (i) a size of the user's face in the first and second images, and/or (ii) a distance between selected facial features of the user in the first and second images. The processing system may provide more of the display data to the display device when the user's face is closer to the camera, and may provide less of the display data to the display device when the user's face is farther from the camera.

Camera control system with image parameter display device

Abstract: A camera control system acquires present camera parameter information, and simultaneously displays camera parameter information set by a user and the acquired present camera parameter information to facilitate appropriate remote control of camera operation via a network.

Camera operation apparatus

Abstract: It is an object to provide a camera control system which can immediately cope with control of a plurality of kinds of video cameras. At least one module for generating a camera control command corresponding to each kind of camera is stored. Information associated with a kind of camera serving as a control target is recognized. A module for generating the camera control command is selected from at least one module on the basis of the information associated with the recognized kind of camera.

Camera and camera system

Abstract: The present invention provides a camera which can prevent interruption of the communication operations caused by shortage of battery capacity, during the communication between the camera and an external device such as a personal computer or the like, and which does not require an external power supply during the communication. That is, the present invention relates to a camera which has a built-in power supply, which is capable of making communication with the external device via the communication contact, and which has a body control circuit for detecting whether the external device is connected or not and selecting any one of the built-in power supply and a power supply of the external device in accordance with the result of the detection to supply the power to circuits of the camera.

Mobile communications device

Abstract: The invention pertains to a mobile communications device with a camera, comprising a microphone (5), loudspeaker, display, keypad and camera. According to the invention the mobile communications device comprises at least two parts covering each other alternatively completely in the transport position of the camera or partly in the operational position of the camera so that when the parts (1, 2) cover each other in the transport position of the camera the lens (13) of the camera is protected, and in the operational position of the camera the lens (13) of the camera is exposed. Such a mobile communications device is easy to use and includes a protected lens (13) the protection of which is based on normal procedures carried out by the user of the mobile communications device when using the device.

Digital camera including power supply controller responsive to connection detection

Abstract: A digital camera comprises a camera body and an image sensing unit. The image sensing unit includes a taking lens, a driver of the taking lens and an image sensor, and is attachable to the camera body directly or by a cable. The camera body includes an image processor for processing image data from the image sensing unit, a flash for emitting flash light, a recorder for recording the image data, a display for displaying images, and other circuits. An interface for a personal computer and a video capture adaptor can be attached to the camera body instead of the image sensing unit. The camera body is provided with a power source section having power supplying portions each assigned to a specific circuit such as the lens driver, the image sensor, the flash, the image processor, the interface and the adaptor. The camera body detects what is attached thereto and whether the cable is used, and supplies power only to those circuits that should be activated in accordance with the result of the detection.

Combined still camera and video camera device utilizing optics to simultaneously provide the same view to both cameras

Abstract: Device for the alternate or simultaneous filming of still and video pictures or multipurpose camera, characterized by the combination of a video camera and a still camera in one single device which is equipped with a single interchangeable lens, an optical assembly, in addition to a system of prisms, mirrors or other similar reflecting components, which transmit the virtual image, understood as being the image which has not undergone any electrical, magnetic or digital processing, duplicated to a video mechanism and to a still picture mechanism for its individual, alternate or simultaneous processing.

Digital camera having controller for reducing occurrences of blur in displayed images

Abstract: A digital camera comprises a camera body and an image sensing unit. The image sensing unit is provided with a taking lens and an image sensing device for taking images and with an optical viewfinder. The camera body is provided with a controller for controlling the camera, signal processing circuits for processing signals from the image sensing device, a display device for displaying images taken and an interface for recording images taken onto a memory card. The display device serves as a viewfinder. In taking a image, the controller performs an AF control of the taking lens. When power supply to the camera is started, and when the display device is activated, the controller sets the taking lens at a predetermined focus position where in-focus condition is obtained for distant to close-range views, so that blurred images are not displayed on the display device.

Geometrical Modeling and Real-Time Vision Applications of a Panoramic Annular Lens (PAL) Camera System

Abstract: Flexible, reconfigurable vision systems can provide the richest sensing modality for sophisticated multiple robot platforms. We propose a cooperative and adaptive approach to vision applied to the problem of finding and protecting humans by a robot team in such emergent circumstances, for example, during a fire in an office building. A panoramic camera system plays an important role in this approach. This report presents the recent progress on the development of vision algorithms based on a panoramic annular lens (PAL) camera system. First, we give a brief survey of existing panoramic camera systems, with an emphasis on geometrical properties of capturing panoramic images from a single-viewpoint. Second, a mathematical model of the panoramic annular lens (PAL) camera that we use is built, and then several issues about camera calibration and image un- warping are addressed. An empirical method is given to roughly ''calibrate" the PAL camera system. Next, a panoramic virtual stereo (PVS) vision approach is proposed, and the problems of self-calibration and real-time 3D estimation are discussed. Finally, we present an experimental system that can detect and track multiple moving objects in real-time using a PAL camera system. The panoramic vision algorithm for moving object tracking also serves the initial step of the PVS approach.

Camera control system, and control method and storage medium thereof

Abstract: PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a camera control system which enables a user to easily specify an area where photography desires to be limited. SOLUTION: This camera control system is equipped with a camera server device 1, having a reception and distribution part 15 which receives and distributes video from a camera 11 and a control part 13 which controls the camera, a client device 2 having a display part 26 which displays the video from the camera server device and an operation part 23 for remotely operating the camera control of the camera server device, and a network 4 which connects the camera server device and camera control system to each other, and the client device 2 controls the camera 11 by using a panoramic image, which is photographed by the camera 11 and composed by the camera server device 1.